Threat of online security

Online security means protecting information and information systems from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. It protects the confidentiality, integrity and availability of information. Online security is now a high priority for business and individuals. On the other hand, it prevents the unauthorized access, manage the authorized users and protect computer system content and transaction integrity. However, there are some threats of online security. For instance, online identity thefts are method of stealing network identities used for Internet online transactions. Examples for network identities include Personal Identity Number for bank cards, credit card numbers, online passwords, driver’s license numbers and etc.

Governments, financial institutions, hospitals, and private businesses collect a great deal of confidential information about their employees, customers, products, research, and financial status. Protecting confidential information is a business requirement and in many cases also an ethical and legal requirement. If the confidential information about a businesses customers or finances fall into the hands of a competitor, such a breach of security could lead to a lost business or destroy a business, law suits, long-term effects on the business or even bankruptcy of the business. For example, hackers apparently gained access to personal information of some customers when the staff mistakenly accepted an e-mail attachment sent by the hackers.

Management of online network access and use continue to be a problem even highly secure systems. The development of the Internet has increased the popularity of online shopping. However, many Internet users avoid shopping online due to online security and privacy. For many consumers, security is one of the most significant concerns when purchasing online. Since buyers and sellers do not interact face-to-face and the virtual environment allows high secrecy, online shopping involves greater concerns than traditional trading. The buyers are becoming more aware of security threats to themselves and, more importantly, of the security of the information such as credit card details they leave with online sellers. They are more likely to place their trust in something that provides safeguards and guarantee.

Online security varies and can include protection of information from theft or fraud, or the safeguarding of availability. Safeguarding data in your files and on your computers is just basic to protect business secrecy. After all, if that information falls into the wrong hands, it can lead to fraud or identity theft. Hence, businesses and individuals who own, control, access, use or stored data may have a responsibility to protect the confidentiality and integrity of such data. Besides, it also responsible for using appropriate security methods in order to fulfill different data security requirements.